Urinary Management With an External Female Collection Device

Misuse of External Urine Management Devices in Hospitalized Patients

ABSTRACT

External urine management devices were introduced into healthcare as a novel solution to avoid indwelling urinary catheter placement and the associated urinary tract infection risk for adult patients. These devices are favored among healthcare workers and patients. However, the downstream impacts of this device can be detrimental to patient outcomes when immobility is promoted through their use. Clinical nurse specialists are the ideal team member to evaluate the introduction of new technology to promote patient-focused care over task-focused care.

Managing External Urinary Catheters

This narrative review explores the use of external urinary catheters. These devices are available in various types and materials for male and female patients. The indications for the use of external urinary catheters include managing incontinence linked to overactive bladder and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Contraindications to the use of external urinary catheters include urinary obstruction. Proper skin care and proactive infection control measures are necessary to prevent complications. The collection of a urine specimen for culture requires a standardized technique to prevent contamination. Clinician-led patient education on catheter management plays a important role in ensuring patient comfort and safety.

Clinical outcomes of female external urine wicking devices as alternatives to indwelling catheters: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Female patients using indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) are disproportionately at risk for developing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) compared to males. Female external urine wicking devices (FEUWDs) have emerged as potential alternatives to IUCs for incontinence management.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical risks and benefits of FEUWDs as alternatives to IUCs.

METHODS

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL Complete, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to July 10, 2023. Included studies used FEUWDs as an intervention and reported measures of urinary tract infections and secondary outcomes related to incontinence management.

RESULTS

Of 2,580 returned records, 50 were systematically reviewed. Meta-analyses assessed rates of indwelling CAUTIs and IUC utilization. Following FEUWD implementation, IUC utilization rates decreased 14% (RR = 0.86, 95% CI = [0.76, 0.97]) and indwelling CAUTI rates nonsignificantly decreased up to 32% (IRR = 0.68, 95% CI = [0.39, 1.17]). Limited only to studies that described protocols for implementation, the incidence rate of indwelling CAUTIs decreased significantly up to 54% (IRR = 0.46, 95% CI = [0.32, 0.66]). Secondary outcomes were reported less routinely.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, FEUWDs nonsignificantly reduced indwelling CAUTI rates, though reductions were significant among studies describing FEUWD implementation protocols. We recommend developing standard definitions for consistent reporting of non-indwelling CAUTI complications such as FEUWD-associated UTIs, skin injuries, and mobility-related complications.

State of the Art of Non-Invasive Technologies for Bladder Monitoring: A Scoping Review

Bladder monitoring, including urinary incontinence management and bladder urinary volume monitoring, is a vital part of urological care. Urinary incontinence is a common medical condition affecting the quality of life of more than 420 million people worldwide, and bladder urinary volume is an important indicator to evaluate the function and health of the bladder. Previous studies on non-invasive techniques for urinary incontinence management technology, bladder activity and bladder urine volume monitoring have been conducted. This scoping review outlines the prevalence of bladder monitoring with a focus on recent developments in smart incontinence care wearable devices and the latest technologies for non-invasive bladder urine volume monitoring using ultrasound, optical and electrical bioimpedance techniques. The results found are promising and their application will improve the well-being of the population suffering from neurogenic dysfunction of the bladder and the management of urinary incontinence. The latest research advances in bladder urinary volume monitoring and urinary incontinence management have significantly improved existing market products and solutions and will enable the development of more effective future solutions.

Effectiveness of an External Urinary Device for Female Anatomy and Trends in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an external female urinary management system (external urinary device for female anatomy [EUDFA]) in critically ill women unable to self-toilet and to identify rates of indwelling catheter use, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), urinary incontinence (UI), and incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) before and after the introduction of the EUDFA.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational, and quasi-experimental design.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

The sample comprised 50 adult female patients in 4 critical/progressive care units using an EUDFA at a large academic hospital in the Midwestern United States. All adult patients in these units were included in the aggregate data.

METHODS

Prospective data collected from the adult female patients over 7 days included urine diverted from the device to a canister and total leakage. Aggregate unit rates of indwelling catheter use, CAUTIs, UI, and IAD were retrospectively examined during 2016, 2018, and 2019. Means and percentages were compared using t tests or chi-square tests.

RESULTS

The EUDFA successfully diverted 85.5% of patients' urine. Indwelling urinary catheter use was significantly lower in 2018 (40.6%) and 2019 (36.6%) compared with 2016 (43.9%) (P < .01). The rate of CAUTIs was lower in 2019 than in 2016, but not significantly (1.34 per 1000 catheter-days vs 0.50, P = .08). The percentage of incontinent patients with IAD was 69.2% in 2016 and 39.5% in 2018-2019 (P = .06).

CONCLUSIONS

The EUDFA was effective in diverting urine from critically ill female incontinent patients and indwelling catheter utilization.

Effect of individualized comfortable nursing on prognosis of vacuum sealing drainage in patients with orthopedic trauma

To explore the effect of individualized comfortable nursing on prognosis of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in patients with orthopedic trauma. 110 patients with orthopedic trauma VSD were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group, with 55 patients in each group receiving routine care and comfortable care. The wound healing time, visual analog scale, quality of life score, the level of inflammatory factors, the incidence of complications, and patient satisfaction were compared between the 2 groups. The average time of wound healing in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < .01). The satisfaction rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = .029). Meanwhile, the results showed that visual analog scale and quality of life scores in the observation group was significantly improved than that of the control group after receiving intervention (P < .05). After receiving intervention, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 of patients in both groups were decreased, and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the observation group were significantly decreased than those in the control group. Moreover, the incidence rate of adverse reaction in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < .01). Comfortable nursing can reduce the wound healing time, the postoperative pain level, the incidence of complications, and improve patient satisfaction, which is of great significance for the prognosis of VSD in patients with orthopedic trauma.

Addressing CAUTIs with an External Female Catheter

BACKGROUND

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) can lead to complications that prolong hospital stays and result in patient discomfort as well as increased health care costs and mortality. At our academic medical center in New York City, in 2016-17, 21 of 87 CAUTI cases (24%) were in bedbound female patients in whom indwelling catheters were used for incontinence. Although condom catheters were available as an alternative to indwelling urinary catheters for male patients, there was a lack of effective products for female patients.

METHODS

A team of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) conducted a literature search, reviewed internal data on CAUTI rates and catheter use, and searched for available catheter alternatives that would meet the needs of bedbound female patients. The team identified two different external female urinary catheters and piloted both with a focus on efficacy as well as stakeholder satisfaction.

RESULTS

In 2019-20, external female catheters were used in 1,195 unique patients. Approximately 90% of external female catheter use was to avoid using an indwelling urinary catheter. With a cost avoidance of $13,786 per patient, $16,473,912 in costs to the organization were avoided. CAUTI rates in bedbound female patients decreased after implementation of the external female catheters.

CONCLUSION

This initiative demonstrates that external female urinary catheters can be used at other hospitals to decrease indwelling urinary catheter use and CAUTI rates in bedbound female patients.

A single institution pre-/post-comparison after introduction of an external urinary collection device for female medical patients

Background

External urinary collection devices (EUCDs) may serve as an alternative to indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) and decrease the rate of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). PureWick® is a novel female EUCD; however, no study has definitively proven benefit regarding reduction of CAUTIs.

Aim

We sought to compare the CAUTI rate and IUC days before and after availability of the PureWick® EUCD at a single institution. We provide a descriptive analysis of female medical patients receiving an EUCD.

Methods

A retrospective review of adult female patients admitted to a single institution on a medical service who received an IUC and/or an EUCD was performed. Patients who received an IUC in the 3 months before EUCD availability (PRE) were compared to patients who received an IUC and/or EUCD in the 12 months after (POST).

Results

Out of 848 female patients, 292 received an EUCD in the POST cohort and overall, 656 received an IUC (259 (100%) PRE vs. 397 (67.4%) POST). Compared to the PRE cohort, the POST cohort had a higher number of IUC days (median, 3 vs 2 days, p = 0.001) and a higher rate of CAUTI (infections per 1000 catheter days, 9.3 vs 2.3, p = 0.001). The rate of UTI associated with EUCD use was 9.8 infections per 1000 device days.

Discussion

While EUCDs might appear to be a promising alternative to IUCs for female patients, this single center pre-/post-analysis found that both the number of IUC days and the CAUTI rate increased after introduction of a female EUCD.

Effect of external urinary collection device implementation on female surgical patients

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common hospital-acquired infection. Female external urinary collection devices (EUCDs) may be an alternative to indwelling urethral catheters (IUCs), thereby decreasing CAUTIs. However, no study has demonstrated that EUCDs can help reduce CAUTIs in female surgical patients. We sought to compare CAUTI rate and the median number of days an IUC was used before and after availability of this female EUCD for surgical patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of adult female surgical patients admitted to a single academic institution who received an IUC and/or EUCD was performed. Patients who received an IUC three months before (PRE) EUCD availability (08/2017-10/2017) were compared to patients receiving an IUC and/or EUCD 12 months after (POST) (11/2017-11/2018).

RESULTS

From 906 surgical patients receiving an IUC/EUCD, 127 received an EUCD in the POST cohort. Compared to the PRE, the POST had a higher rate of CAUTIs (infections per 1000 catheter days, 11.2 vs. 4.6, p = 0.017) and overall UTI rate (infections per 1000 catheter days, 5.4 vs. 4.8, p = 0.036), whereas IUC days were similar between cohorts (median, two vs. two days, p = 0.18). The POST cohort rate of EUCD UTI was 4.6 infections per 1000 device days.

CONCLUSION

While EUCDs appear to be a promising alternative to IUCs for female surgical patients, this study found increased CAUTIs after introduction of an EUCD. Further research is needed to clarify if female EUCDs are effective in decreasing CAUTI prior to widespread adoption.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection reduction in critical care units: a bundled care model

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) represent approximately 9% of all hospital acquired infections, and approximately 65%–70% of CAUTIs are believed to be preventable. In the spring of 2013, Boston Medical Center (BMC) began an initiative to decrease CAUTI rates within its intensive care units (ICUs). A CAUTI taskforce convened and reviewed process maps and gap analyses. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) guidelines, and delineated by the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee 2009 guidelines, all BMC ICUs sequentially implemented plan–do–study–act cycles based on which measures were most easily adaptable and believed to have the highest impact on CAUTI rates. Implementation of five care bundles spanned 5 years and included (1) processes for insertion and maintenance of foley catheters; (2) indications for indwelling foley catheters; (3) appropriate testing for CAUTIs; (4) alternatives to indwelling devices; and (5) sterilisation techniques. Daily rounds by unit nursing supervisors and inclusion of foley catheter necessity on daily ICU checklists held staff accountable on a daily basis. With these interventions, the total number of CAUTIs at BMC decreased from 53 in 2013 to 9 in 2017 (83% reduction) with a 33.8% reduction in indwelling foley catheter utilisation during the same time period. Adapted protocols showed success in decreasing the CAUTI rate and indwelling foley catheter usage in all of the BMC ICU’s. While all interventions had favourable and additive trends towards decreasing the CAUTI rate, the CAUTI awareness education, insertion and removal protocols and implementation of PureWick female incontinence devices had clear and significant effects on decreasing CAUTI rates. Our project provides a framework for improving HAIs using rapid cycle testing and U-chart data monitoring. Targeted education efforts and standardised checklists and protocols adapted sequentially are low-cost and high yield efforts that may decrease CAUTIs in ICU settings.

Nursing countermeasures for VSD treatment of orthopedic trauma and infected wounds

OBJECTIVE

This study intended to investigate the effect of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in the treatment of orthopedic trauma and its role in the clinical care.

METHODS

A total of 104 patients with orthopedic trauma infection admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 were divided into control group (n=53, receiving VSD) and study group (n=51, receiving VSD and nursing interventions) by random number table. Surgical outcomes, satisfaction, size of trauma and visual analogue scoring scale (VAS) scores were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The study group had shorter time to achieve granulation tissue coverage of wound base, trauma recovery and hospital stay than the control group (P<0.05). The satisfaction rate in the study group was higher compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). Before intervention, the VAS scores of the two groups and size of trauma were not significantly different (P>0.05). After intervention, VAS scores were significantly lower and trauma area was significantly smaller in both groups, and the difference was more pronounced in the study group compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). Quality of life scores were higher in the study group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were lower in the study group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). Packed cell volume (PCV), plasma viscosity, and low-cut versus high-cut whole blood viscosity were lower in the study group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

VSD treatment combined with clinical nursing interventions in patients with orthopedic trauma infection could shorten the time to granulation coverage, wound healing and hospitalization time, and improve indicators of blood rheology. It could also shrink the size of trauma, decrease the level of pain and inflammatory factors, and improve the quality of life, resulting in high satisfaction.

Implementation of an external female urinary catheter as an alternative to an indwelling urinary catheter

BACKGROUND

Until recently, there has been a lack of viable alternative to an indwelling urinary catheter for female patients that require precise urine output measurements. With the introduction of external female urinary catheters, we can now substitute this type of device for an indwelling urinary catheter in many patients, decreasing their risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we analyzed the impact of a hospital-wide implementation of an external female urinary catheter at a large academic medical center. The study included female patients, greater than 18 years of age. We compared a 12-month period before and after device implementation to assess the impact on indwelling urinary catheter utilization and catheter-associated urinary tract infections rate.

RESULTS

Data included over 220,000 patient days, over 10,000 external urinary catheter days and 33,000 indwelling urinary catheter days. We found a statistically significant decrease in indwelling urinary catheter utilization following the implementation of the external female urinary catheter, but only in intensive care units.

CONCLUSIONS

It is our recommendation that facilities first implement the device in ICUs as this level of care was where we observed the most significant impact.

External Female Urinary Catheter: Implementation in the Emergency Department

The emergency department is a care environment in which indwelling urinary catheters are placed frequently; however, the significance of the role of the emergency department in catheter-associated urinary tract infection prevention has been overlooked. The use of an external female urinary catheter is an alternative to placing an indwelling urinary catheter for female patients in the emergency department who are incontinent of urine or are immobile. The purpose was to describe the implementation of an initiative to decrease the number of indwelling urinary catheters and increase the use of external urinary female catheters in non-critically ill women who visited the emergency department at a 451-bed Magnet-designated community hospital in the Southeast. For this clinical implementation project, the Plan, Do, Check, Act framework was used to develop the initiative, and outcome data were collected retrospectively and included an indirect calculation of the number of indwelling urinary catheters placed in the emergency department. A total of 187 external catheters were used in place of indwelling catheters in female patients over a 3-month period. No skin irritation or breakdown was observed. This project demonstrated the initial staff acceptability and feasibility of external female urinary catheter use in the ED setting.

Effect of an external urinary collection device for women on institutional catheter utilization and catheter-associated urinary tract infections

External urinary collection devices (EUCDs) may reduce indwelling catheter usage and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). In this retrospective quasi-experimental study, we demonstrated that EUCD implementation in women was associated with significantly decreased indwelling catheter usage and a trend (P = .10) toward decreased CAUTI per 1,000 patient days.

Effect of a Female External Urinary Catheter on Incidence of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

Background Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) can be fatal, and are a source of avoidable expense for patients and hospitals. Prolonged catheterization increases infection risk, and avoiding catheters is crucial for infection prevention. Male external urinary catheters are recommended as a tool to prevent the need for indwelling catheterization. Female external urinary catheters (FEUCs) have intermittently been marketed without wide adoption; one has recently become available but published data is limited. Objective This retrospective observational study was conducted to investigate the effect of FEUCs on indwelling catheter use and female CAUTIs. Methods FEUCs were introduced to intensive care units. CAUTI rates and indwelling catheter days were obtained before and after the introduction of the devices. Results  CAUTI rates decreased from 3.14 per 1000 catheter days to 1.42 per 1000 catheter days (p=0.013). Female indwelling catheter days decreased, while overall intensive care patient days increased. Conclusions Introduction of a FEUC was associated with a statistically significant decrease in CAUTI rate among female intensive care patients. The FEUC may prevent the need for indwelling catheters in some situations.

Healthcare-Associated Infections in the Neurocritical Care Unit

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article summarizes updated data and knowledge on healthcare-associated infections in the neurocritical care unit, with a focus on central nervous system infections and systemic infectious complications in patients with acute brain disease. It also reviews the concept of brain injury-induced immune modulation, an underlying mechanism to explain why the neuro-ICU population is particularly susceptible to infections.

RECENT FINDINGS

Healthcare-associated infections in the neuro-ICU are common: up to 40 % of meningitides in the developed world are now healthcare-associated. The number of gram-negative infections is rising. New diagnostic approaches attempt to aid in the diagnosis of healthcare-associated meningitis and ventriculitis. Healthcare-associated infections in the neurocritical care unit remain a challenge for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Gaining a better understanding of at-risk patients and development of preventative strategies will be the goal for future investigation.

Urinary Catheter-Associated Infections

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection remains one of the most prevalent, yet preventable, health care-associated infections. General prevention strategies include strict adherence to hand hygiene and antimicrobial stewardship. Duration of urinary catheterization is the most important modifiable risk factor. Targeted prevention strategies include limiting urinary catheter use; physician reminder systems, nurse-initiated discontinuation protocols, and automatic stop orders have successfully decreased catheter duration. Alternatives should be considered. If catheterization is necessary, proper aseptic practices for insertion and maintenance and closed catheter collection systems are essential for prevention. The use of bladder bundles and collaboratives aids in the effective implementation of prevention measures.